Warriors Awards Dinner and Season Honors

2008-09-03

The 2008 awards dinner was a special one this year as the Warriors are still celebrating their victory as 2008 AMNRL Champions in their 1st grand final appearance! In only their 3rd season since inception the Warriors have managed to qualify for the final playoffs each season so far. Season one they were knocked out in the quarterfinals by the New York Knights, and season two in the semi finals by their state rivals the Connecticut Wildcats. The Wildcats were reigning AMNRL Champions for the past two years and due to a much debated playoff re-arrangement the Cats had the unfortunate draw against the Warriors in the semifinals. Club CEO Adam Hamon commented during the presentations on the success of local recruitment in New Haven County this season including the signing of 10 rookies to the sport of Rugby League.

The Warriors awards dinner was held at the Black Bear Saloon in downtown New Haven and included a speech by former front rower and club co-founder Chris Willey. Special presentations included the 2008 jerseys to the starting 19 for the playoffs and the 2006 inaugural blue with white V retro jerseys to the only 4 remaining members from the 2006 squad: Chris Willey (front row), Adam Hamon (2nd row), Ewan Robinson (2nd row/lock), and Siose Muliumu (lock/standoff).

Other presentations included:

• Most Improved Players: Travis Howell and Amosa Lio
• Rookie of the Year: Jonathan Paredes
• Best Back: Derrick Roma
• Best Forward: Ewan Robinson
• Club Man: Matthew Callan
• Most Valuable Player: Siose Muliumu
• Top Points Scorer: Luke Carr (11 tries, 51/72 kicking, 146 points)

Congratulations to Dan Griffiths, winner of the Warriors/Air Tahiti fundraising raffle!